The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market opened in 2011 but traces its roots back to colonial times when some of its tenants got their start at the city’s Dock Street marketplace.

The country’s increase in imported orange consumption in the marketing year 2023-24 is helped by the decrease in domestic fruit supply and a recovery in the supply of U.S. navel oranges, a USDA report says.

While most produce industry players recognize the benefits of operating sustainably, they also face numerous challenges in such efforts. Here’s what growers and allied businesses recently told The Packer.

When John Gates started delivering fruits, vegetables and fresh-cut products with his brother Dave, he never dreamed the weekend venture would evolve into a major wholesale distributor and fresh-cut processing company.

This is the 11th year employees of the grower, packer and shipper of tree fruit shopped, wrapped and donated gifts to children in the care of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Family Services.

Leaders, innovators and industry stalwarts were among those who died in 2023, with their peers remembering their professional contributions and impact on the produce industry.